Bakheng

Bakheng style, from the late 9th to early 10th centuries, corresponds to the reign of Yasovarman I. Tis brief period saw several important architectural changes albeit with a substantial simplification in decorative style from the Preah Ko period. Both temples and temple decoration from this period are relatively consistent and easily identifiable.

A crucial architectural innovation was the increased use of sandstone as a building material as well as a decorative feature. Covered galleries - although not yet continuous - appear at many sites. Yasovarman's penchant for hill-top sites is well-known while his centrepiece Prasat Phnom Bakheng was the largest pyramid construction of its time. Towers appear in groups on platforms and sites include 'libraries' and enclosing walls with gopuras; all features that reached their zenith with the Angkor Wat and Bayon period monuments of the 12th-century.

Temples continue to see dvarapala and devata carvings on exterior walls, while an early apsara freeze can still be seen at Bakheng. Lintel design however is much simplified with the central garland begins to dip in the middle towards a central deity figure while foliage swirls are placed above and below.

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  Sandstone devata at Prasat Phnom Bok

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  Eroded Bakheng-style lintel at Prasat Sak Kraop

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  Apsaras make an appearnce at Phnom Bakheng

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  Sandstone becomes popular for tower construction